5 minute read
Fall Bucket List:
Even though safety is a priority, especially when it comes to your health, it doesn’t have to mean that you’re stuck at home. There are plenty of activities you can enjoy outside this fall while still adhering to all of the social distancing guidelines. To help you stay active and safe, here are 10 must-do activities that should be on your fall bucket list.
Advertisement
Fall is the perfect time of year to get outdoors and away from home, even if it’s just for a day. There are plenty of fall-inspired activities that you and your family can safely participate in. If you live in the heartland you’re in luck. You won’t have to run out of fun things to do. To help get you inspired, here are a few ideas that will make fall a fun and memorable season.
GENTRY’S FARM FOR KIDS Located in Middle Tennessee, Gentry’s Farm has become a tradition for families both in and out of the area. The wide-open space ensures that social distancing will never be a problem, while still providing activities everyone will enjoy. Spend time working your way out of the corn maze or stop by to pick a pumpkin and enjoy a picnic at one of the tables located close by. The farm is budget-friendly, though hours do vary. It’s recommended that you check first before planning a visit.
ARRINGTON VINEYARDS Wine aficionados will appreciate a trip to the Arrington Vineyards. Opened in 2007, the vineyard has firmly established itself as a top-rated producer of fine wine. Visitors can tour the vineyards and winery, and also enjoy a tasting of some of their best vintages. You can become a member of the vineyard and have new vintages shipped directly or spend time browsing their on-site shop. If you’re looking for a relaxing way to spend a fall day, take a drive to Arrington Vineyards.
PHOTOS BY JASON CROSS PHOTOGRAPHY | JASONCROSS.CO
FAMILY PICTURES IN FALL LEAVES Not too far outside of Nashville is Radnor Lake State Park. Along with fishing and boating on the lake, the park also boasts one of the state’s best fall leaves displays. When the native trees start to turn colors, it’s a spectacular sight. One that is only made better by taking a family picture surrounded by the yellow, red and gold fall leaves.
PICK AND CARVE A PUMPKIN There isn’t a shortage of places to pick up a pumpkin. You can visit a local fall farm or garden center if picking it off the vine isn’t important. Carving one or several pumpkins together as a family is a great tradition to start if you haven’t already. Best of all, pumpkins are relatively inexpensive. When you’re finished carving the jack-o-lanterns use them to decorate your porch. You can add baskets of colored leaves and ornamental squash to complete the fall theme.
T A K E A S C E N I C D R I V E There is a short, 12-mile, stretch of US 27/68 that runs between Lexington and Paris Kentucky. Even though the route only takes a few minutes, if you slow down you’ll be amazed by the stunning scenery. Along with wide-open fields and quaint barns, you will also get to see an amazing array of colors when the leaves start to change in the fall.
TAKE-IN A DRIVE-IN MOVIE Drive-in movie theaters were quickly becoming a "thing of the past" but now these iconic places are coming back. One example is the Bourbon Drive-In located in Paris, Kentucky. If this is too far of a drive, chances are there’s one closer to you.
HAVE A BACKYARD BONFIRE It doesn’t have to be a huge bonfire that your neighbors can see, a small firepit also works great. While it might not be a good idea to get a large group together in the fall, you can still invite your family or a few close friends to a backyard bonfire. You can make smores, listen to music, and just enjoy being together outside.
S E E W I L D L I F E Not far from Paris, KY is the Land Between The Lakes. The large park boasts plenty of outdoor activities that include wildlife watching. From the safety and comfort of your vehicle, you can drive a 3.5-mile loop through the Elk & Bison Prairie. If you want to see the herds active, plan on going in the morning or around sunset. While you’re visiting Land Between the Lakes, don’t forget to watch for the native bald eagles. You can make the drive yourself or book a personal tour.
G O A P P L E P I C K I N G Along with pumpkins and colored leaves, nothing signals the start of fall like picking ripe apples. Between Cynthiana and Paris, KY, you’ll find Reed Valley Orchid. There is plenty of space to avoid bumping into others. You can enjoy strolling down the nature trails and picking apples in the orchard. There are also seasonal berries you can add to your basket. Bring a picnic or purchase one at the on-site country store. This is a great way to spend time with family outdoors.
PHOTOS BY JASON CROSS PHOTOGRAPHY | JASONCROSS.CO
1 0 GO GEOCACHING With 170,000 acres, the Land Between The Lakes is the perfect place for geocaching. You don’t even need to bring and hide caches, there are already over one hundred waiting to be found. If you’re not familiar with geocaching, you’re going on a treasure hunt. Using a GPS-enabled device you’ll follow the clues until you locate the hidden cache. Once you find it, sign the log, remove a small trinket and replace it with one of your own. Your token can be anything from a smooth pebble to a glass bead or bird feather, etc.
Even though many of the activities you used to look forward to in the fall are canceled this doesn’t mean you still can’t have fun. There are plenty of activities to enjoy that will get you outside.
